"Crunchiness" in all gears - normal or not?

[MotoFanatic]

I think it's all about perspective. I wonder if the OP had driven 3 integras if maybe he'd have found his was somehow damaged/defective and the others were fine. My first car was a 1990 Honda Accord and it was stick. My ITS is very reminiscent of that shifter. It's mechanical, yes, and it is isn't perfect...sometimes it doesn't want to hit reverse until I let it roll more. Sometimes second is a little crunchy. 1st isn't always ready to go...but I feel everything and it's a pleasure to drive the 98% of the time it feels right. I also have an s2000, my dad has a 72 Datsun, a 93 vette, and I recently drove a ct4-v blackwing. Admittedly the s2k is beat to shit and we're putting it back to stock after some guy put a twin disc in it, but the Integra is more mechanical than all those save for the Datsun. The CT4-V was perfect. Not a single crunch, grind, hesitation, nothing ...but it felt like a videogame. I am teaching my wife to drive stick now and of all the cars the Integra is the one to choose...just go with it, not everyone has the experience or preferences of the OP.

Thank you for the feedback. Agree that not everyone has the experience of the OP but it does seem like there are a few people that have had the same issue..

I bought a very lightly used RS3. I've always lusted after that 5-cylinder sound and missed the boat on the TT RS, so when I saw the RS3 was getting an interior redesign in 2027 that I don't like I made sure not to be left waving on the shores. It's my first German car and I'm THRILLED with it. It's definitely a very different car from the ITS, but it's definitely my favorite car I've ever owned now.

Yes, congrats on the RS3. Now you're hooked. lol There's something to be said about german engineering/experience.

Even after everything I've written here, I wouldn't push you to entirely discard the Integra from consideration, although I feel the A-Spec has stiffer competition in its segment than the Type S does in its own (I see you're coming from a Mazda, which I regard as an excellent option myself but I do understand that they only offer a manual on trims that aren't as nicely-equipped as the Integra or on the Miata, which may not be a practical enough choice for you).

My advice would be to drive the EXACT Integra you plan to purchase (my test driver was not). "Crunch" is very common in 2nd gear and if it only presents itself there, you're probably okay unless you're like me and very bothered by the feeling.

I appreciate the feedback and I couldn't agree with you more about test driving the actual car before purchase. I actually made that mistake before. Never again.

Thanks!

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[Unity Performance]

I wish I saw this thread earlier, I would have recommended swapping over to the Wunderladen Street or COBB RMM, with the Wunderladen PMM and TMM upper mounts with Street Bushings.

I have the full setup in my FL5. I got a late prototype PMM on my car earlier this spring and felt that it improved the 1-2 crunchy feeling right away. I could have left it at that but I started to feel a slight imbalance with the TMM being factory so I upgraded that as well last month, and now I have zero complaints about how this transmission shifts.

I also have the Acuity 4-way, Hybrid Cable Linkage Bushings, Amsoil Synchromesh, and Wunderladen clutch damper delete. They also improve the shift feel a bit but are primarily there for better engagement. The mounts were still the most transformative change in addressing shift quality.

Overall NVH increase with all 3 is less than I’ve experienced with some street RMM’s, so other than having to spend on the parts and labor to address a Honda/Acura issue, I don’t personally feel there’s a trade off.

Anyone else with the triple mount combo by Wunderladen? Feel free to chime in